World-famous paintings, historic artefacts, and irreplaceable jewels all have one thing in common: they can prove irresistible to crooks. 

From priceless artworks such as the Mona Lisa to the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, read on to uncover the incredible stories behind the missing treasures that were stolen and later returned, often in sensational circumstances.

All dollar amounts in US dollars and historic currency conversions correct for the time.